Collecting Unemployment for Freelance Translators
Thread poster: Caiman
Caiman
Caiman
United States
Local time: 11:42
Spanish to English
Apr 1, 2020

Hi there,

Have any freelance translators successfully filed to receive benefits? Seems like you have to go through State UI websites which at least in MA only give you the option to list "Employers"


 
RobinB
RobinB  Identity Verified
United States
Local time: 10:42
German to English
Pandemic Unemploymen Assistance Apr 1, 2020

The federal government is rolling out "Pandemic Unemployment Assistance" (PUA) as part of the CARES Act. However, the precise details still have to be elaborated and communicated to the statement employment authorities, which is why they are not yet accepting applications for this benefit. I suggest you ask your state unemployment benefit agency what the situation is in your state.

However, it is unlikely that freelance translators will be eligible for this benefit, unless they sati
... See more
The federal government is rolling out "Pandemic Unemployment Assistance" (PUA) as part of the CARES Act. However, the precise details still have to be elaborated and communicated to the statement employment authorities, which is why they are not yet accepting applications for this benefit. I suggest you ask your state unemployment benefit agency what the situation is in your state.

However, it is unlikely that freelance translators will be eligible for this benefit, unless they satisfy one of the following criteria:

1) The individual has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and is seeking a medical diagnosis
2) A member of the individual's household has been diagnosed with COVID-19
3) The individual is providing care for a family member or household member who has been diagnosed with COVID-19
4) The individual is the primary caregiver for a child or other person in the household who is unable to attend school or another facility that has been closed as a direct result of COVID-19 and such school or facility care is required for the individual to work
5) The individual is unable to reach the place of employment because of a quarantine imposed as a direct result of COVID-19
6) The individual is unable to reach the place of employment because a health care provider has advised the individual to self-quarantine due to COVID-19 concerns
7) The individual has become the breadwinner or major support for a household because the head of household has died as a direct result of COVID-19
8) The individual's place of employment is closed as a direct result of COVID-19.

So unless a freelance translator working from home satisfies one of the personal criteria (1-4, 5, 7) they are unlikely to qualify for PUA benefits.

The situation may be a different for interpreters, however, who may be eligible under conditions 5 and/or 8.

Persons receiving PUA will also received the $600 weekly federal top-up for up to four months.

So I'm afraid that freelance translators are more or less on their own. Provided their 2019 or 2018 AGI is lower than the $75k per person threshold, they will qualify for the stimulus checks (which are actually technically income tax credits, not a free gift) like most other US residents. The same applies to the student loan deferrals. Additionally, they may qualify for various loans for small businesses and independent contractors.

This is the USA after all, not Europe...
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Kevin Fulton
 
RobinB
RobinB  Identity Verified
United States
Local time: 10:42
German to English
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Apr 1, 2020

You may also be eligible for support under the new Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). This offers forgivable loans of up to 2.25 average monthly payroll/self-employment income to cover payroll, rent or mortgage payments, and utility payments.

You have to apply to your bank for a loan under the SBA's PPP, so I suggest you check with your bank straight away. Independent contractors and self-employed individuals can file a claim starting on April 10th (one week after small businesses a
... See more
You may also be eligible for support under the new Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). This offers forgivable loans of up to 2.25 average monthly payroll/self-employment income to cover payroll, rent or mortgage payments, and utility payments.

You have to apply to your bank for a loan under the SBA's PPP, so I suggest you check with your bank straight away. Independent contractors and self-employed individuals can file a claim starting on April 10th (one week after small businesses and sole proprietorships).
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Collecting Unemployment for Freelance Translators







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